Research:My research is directed towards understanding the lens protein modifications at the molecular level during aging and cataractogenesis. Specifically, we are examining the role of lens proteinases in the proteolysis of lens structural proteins i.e., crystallins, and the role of the proteolyzed crystallin fragments in vivo in aggregation and cross-linking of proteins during aging and cataractogenesis. These studies fall in the following four basic areas: 1) Activation of lens proteinases and their regulation by endogenous cognate inhibitors, 2) In vivo regulation of proteolysis of crystallins by endogenous proteinases, 3) Aggregation and cross-linking of crystallin fragments in vitro, and 4) Identification of aggregated and cross-linked species generated by crystallin fragments in vivo in aging and cataractous human lenses.

Human senile cataractogenesis is targeted in the above studies because it occurs in about 50% of the population over age 75. It is the second most frequent cause of existing and new cases of registered blindness. I have secondary interest in corneal endothelial membrane proteins.

Previously Dr. Srivastava worked as a Research Associate at Purdue University and at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and as a Senior Research Scientist at the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation in Missouri.

Dr Jillian Meadows presents her research during the VSGP Student Seminar Series

Sponsored by the UAB VSRC, the Helen Keller Art show honors students with visual impairments for their artistic abilities and creative works.